Development of an Optode for Detection of Trace Amounts of Hg2+ in Different Real Samples Based on Immobilization of Novel Tetradentate Schiff Bases Bearing Two Thiol Groups in PVC Membrane

A very sensitive and reversible optical chemical sensor based on a novel tetradentate Schiff base namely N.N^/bis(2-aminothiophenol)benzene-1,2-dicarboxaldehyde (ATBD) immobilized within a plasticized PVC film for Hg²⁺ determination is described. At optimum conditions (i.e. pH 6.0), the proposed sensor displayed a linear response to Hg²⁺ over 1.0?×?10^?10 ? 1.0?×?10^?2 mol L^?1 with a limit of detection of 7.23?×?10^?11 mol L^?1 (0.0145 μgL^?1). Moreover, the results revealed that, under batch condition, the sensor is fully reversible within a response time?~?35 s. In addition to its high stability and reproducibility, the sensor showed good selectivity towards Hg²⁺ ion with respect to common metal cations. The sensor was successfully applied for determination of Hg²⁺ ion in some real samples, including hair, urine and well water samples. The results were in good correlation with the data obtained using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry.     

Novel nanostructured electrochemical sensor for voltammetric determination of N-acetylcysteine in the presence of high concentrations of tryptophan

A carbon paste electrode chemically modified with multiwall nanotubes and ethynylferrocene (ETFc) was used as a selective and sensitive electrochemical sensor for the determination of minor amounts of N-acetylcysteine (N-AC) in the presence of a high concentration of tryptophan (Trp). Square wave voltammetry (SWV) of N-AC at the modified electrode exhibited linear dynamic range with a detection limit (3 s) of 0.08 μmol?L^?1. The separations of anodic peak potentials of N-AC and Trp reached 400 mV using SWV. With good selectivity and sensitivity, the present method provides a simple method for selective detection of N-AC in real samples such as drug and urine.     

Electrochemical detection of trace cadmium in soil using a Nafion/stannum film-modified molecular wire carbon paste electrodes

In this paper, a novel Nafion polymer-coated stannum film-modified carbon paste electrode was developed for the analysis of trace cadmium by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. The electronic conductive material—molecular wire (diphenylacetylene)—was employed as the binder instead of traditional mineral oil for fabricating this electrode. It was found that the prepared electrode possessed excellent electrochemical performance and increased electron transfer rate due to the introduction of molecular wire as a binder, and exhibited a better sensitivity and stability as well as high resistance to surfactants due to the synergistic effect of Nafion and stannum film. Under the optimal conditions, the stripping peak currents showed a good linear relationship with the Cd(II) concentration in the range from 1.0 to 80.0 μg L^?1 with a detection limit of 0.13 μg L^?1 (S/N?=?3). The developed electrode was further applied to the determination of Cd(II) in soil extracts with satisfactory results.     

Nitrogen-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes for paracetamol sensing

A novel sensor consisting of nitrogen-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes was fabricated by means of chemical vapor deposition technique with decomposition of acetonitrile onto oxidized silicon wafer using ferrocene as catalyst. The electrochemical response of carbon nanotubes-based sensor towards oxidation of paracetamol to N-acetyl-p-quinone imine was investigated in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0) by means of standard electrochemical techniques. A quasi-reversible response for oxidation of paracetamol was identified on carbon nanotubes-based sensor with detection limit and sensitivity of 0.485 μM and 0.8406 A M^?1 cm^?2, respectively. It was found that the nitrogen doping in carbon nanotubes enhances the sensor's detection ability. Namely, electrochemical studies performed on film consisting of pristine carbon nanotubes reveal as well quasi-reversible response towards oxidation of paracetamol but nevertheless poorer detection ability and sensitivity (0.950 μM; 0.601 A M^?1 cm^?2). The findings strongly suggest the application of nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes in biosensing.     

Selective and sensitive voltammetric sensor based on modified multiwall carbon nanotubes paste electrode for simultaneous determination of l-cysteine and folic acid

This paper reports the selective and sensitive voltammetric determination of l-cysteine in the presence of folic acid using ethynylferrocene modified carbon nanotubes paste electrode in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0). Using square wave voltammetry, we could measure l-cysteine and folic acid in one mixture independently from each other by a potential difference of about 410 mV for the first time. Square wave voltammetric peak current of l-cysteine and folic acid increased linearly with their concentrations in the ranges of 0.2–250.0 and 1.0–500.0 μmol?L^?1, respectively. The detection limits of 0.07 and 0.6 μmol?L^?1 were achieved for l-cysteine and folic acid, respectively. The proposed voltammetric sensor was successfully applied to the determination of l-cysteine and folic acid in real samples.     

A fast and sensitive nanosensor based on MgO nanoparticle room-temperature ionic liquid carbon paste electrode for determination of methyldopa in pharmaceutical and patient human urine samples

In this study, we describe an ionic liquid–MgO nanoparticle modified carbon paste electrode (MgO/NPs/IL/CPE) was used as a simple, fast, and sensitive tool for the investigation of the electrochemical oxidation of methyldopa (MDOP) using voltammetric methods. The MgO/NPs was characterized with different methods such as TEM, SEM, and XRD. The oxidation peak potential of the MDOP at a surface of MgO/NPs/IL/CPE appeared at 450 mV that was about 100 mV lower than the oxidation peak potential at the surface of the traditional carbon paste electrode (CPE) under similar conditions. The electro-oxidation of MDOP occurred in a pH-dependent 2e^? and 2H⁺ process, and the electrode reaction followed a diffusion-controlled pathway. Under optimal conditions at pH 7.0, the anodic peak currents increased linearly with the concentration of MDOP in the range of 0.08–380 μmol L^?1 with a detection limit of 0.03 μmol L^?1 (3σ). The proposed sensor was successfully applied to the determination of MDOP in real samples such as drug and urine.     

Sensitive voltammetric determination of diclofenac using room-temperature ionic liquid-modified carbon nanotubes paste electrode

An ionic liquid-modified carbon nanotubes paste electrode (IL/CNTPE) has been fabricated using hydrophilic ionic liquid (n-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluoro phosphate) as a binder. This electrode showed enhanced electrochemical response and strong analytical activity towards the direct electrochemical oxidation of diclofenac (DCF). The electron transfer coefficient, α, and charge transfer resistance (R _ct) of DCF at the modified electrode were calculated. Under optimal conditions at pH 7.0, the anodic peak currents increased linearly with the concentration of DCF in the range of 0.5–300 μmol L^?1 with a detection limit of 0.2 μmol L^?1 (3σ). The interferences of foreign substances were investigated. Differential pulse voltammetry was used to check the applicability of the proposed sensor to the determination of DCF in real samples with satisfactory results.     

Benzoylferrocene-modified carbon nanotubes paste electrode as a voltammetric sensor for determination of hydrochlorothiazide in pharmaceutical and biological samples

The electrooxidation of hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) at the surface of a benzoylferrocene modified multi-walled carbon nanotube paste electrode was studied using electrochemical approaches. Under the optimized conditions (pH 7.0), the square wave voltammetric peak current of HCT increased linearly with HCT concentration in the ranges of 6.0?×?10^?7 to 3.0?×?10^?4 M. The detection limit was 9.0?×?10^?8 M HCT. The diffusion coefficient (D?=?1.75?×?10^?5 cm²/s) and electron transfer coefficient (α?=?0.45) for HCT oxidation were also determined. The proposed sensor was successfully applied for the determination of HCT in human urine and tablet samples.     

Voltammetric behaviors of an emerging pollutant benzotriazole on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)—Nafion modified electrode in various pH mediums

The electrochemical behaviors of an emerging pollutant, benzotriazole (BTA), at multiwall carbon nanotubes and Nafion modified glassy carbon electrode (MWNTs-Nafion/GCE) were investigated systematically. The electrochemical reduction of BTA was significantly improved by MWNTs-Nafion compared to bare GCE, ascribed to the excellent adsorption capacity and electrocatalytic activity of MWNTs. BTA presented well-defined reduction peaks only at pH <3.0, suggesting the involvement of lots of protons in the reduction process. Peak potential shifted negatively and peak current decreased significantly with pH increase. BTA showed various UV–Vis absorption spectra in acidic and alkaline mediums. Cathodic peak current increased linearly with square root of sweep rate as well as with the concentration of BTA from 3.0?×?10^?6 to 1.6?×?10^?4 mol L^?1. This suggests a diffusion-controlled and irreversible electrode process. Diffusion coefficient of BTA on MWNTs-Nafion/GCE was obtained as 2.67?×?10^?2 cm² s^?1 with four orders of magnitude larger than that on GCE. MWNTs-Nafion/GCE showed a good selectivity between BTA and O₂ but poor selectivity between BTA and tolyltriazole.     

Synthesis and Characterization of New Light Emitter Symmetrical Phenoxazinium Salt and Its Potential Application as Sensor for Assessment of Hg2+

The sensitization of the excited triplet state of a novel symmetrical Bis(dialkylamino)phenoxazinium salt was developed in the presence of Hg²⁺. This effect was used to determine the concentration of Hg²⁺ in different water samples. The phenoxazinium salt sensor was characterized by different spectroscopic tools such as: UV, FTIR, NMR and fluorescence spectra. The sensor has an emission band at 347 nm in DMSO. Hg²⁺ in DMSO at pH 5.6 can remarkably quench the fluorescence intensity of the sensor at 347 nm and a new band was appeared at 436 nm due to the strong complex formation between Hg²⁺ and sensor. The quenching of the band intensity at 347 and the enhancement of the intensity of the new band at 436 were used to determine the Hg²⁺ in different waste water samples. The dynamic range found for the determination of Hg²⁺ concentration is 8.7?×?10^-10 – 1.4?×?10^-6 mol L^?1 with a detection limit of 5.8?×?10^?10 mol L^?1 and quantification detection limit of 1.8?×?10^-9 mol L^-1.     

Application of an ionic liquid-functionalized Mg2Al layered double hydroxide for the electrochemical myoglobin biosensor

In this paper, an ionic liquid 1-carboxyl-methyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (CMMIMBF₄)-functionalized Mg₂Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) was synthesized and further used for the immobilization of myoglobin (Mb) on the surface of a carbon ionic liquid electrode to get a new electrochemical biosensor. Ultraviolet–visible and Fourier transform–infrared spectroscopies confirmed that Mb in the CMMIMBF₄-LDH remained its native secondary structure, which was attributed to the biocompatibility of the materials used. On the cyclic voltammograms, a pair of well-defined redox peaks appeared, indicating that direct electron transfer of Mb was realized in the modified electrode. The formal peak potential was calculated as ?0.209 V (vs. SCE), which was the typical characteristics of the Mb heme Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couples. The fabricated Mb sensor exhibited good electrocatalytic activity to the reduction of trichloroacetic acid in the range from 1.0 to 17.0 mmol L^?1 with the detection limit as 0.344 mmol L^?1 (3σ), and the apparent Michaelis–Menten constant was calculated as 13.5 mmol L^?1. Thus, the ionic liquid-functionalized LDH exhibited the potential application in the electrochemical sensor for redox proteins.     

Sensitive voltammetric determination of cysteamine using promazine hydrochloride as a mediator and modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes carbon paste electrodes

This paper presents a sensitive electrochemical method for the determination of cysteamine (CA) using promazine hydrochloride-modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes carbon paste electrode (PrH/MWCNTs CPE). Because of the good electrochemical activity of MWCNTs and the acceptable performance of promazine hydrochloride (PrH) as an electrocatalytic mediator, the modified electrode significantly enhanced the sensitivity for the detection of CA in comparison to the bare carbon paste electrode (CPE). All chemical parameters such as pH of solution, concentration of PrH and kinetic parameters of the system were investigated. Linear sweep voltammetric (LSV) method was used to follow the electrocatalytic effect of CA on the current–potential response of PrH. Under optimum conditions, the obtained net peak current ?I _p(I _sample???I _blank) was linear with CA concentrations in two dynamic ranges of 2.0–346.5 μmol l^?1 (?I _p?=?(0.0195?±?0.0043)C _CA?+?(0.7648?±?0.0397) (r ²?=?0.9948)) and 346.5–1,912.5 μmol l^?1 (?I _p?=?(0.0100?±?0.0026)C _CA?+?(3.8981?±?0.0828) (r ²?=?0.9911)) with a detection limit of 0.8 μmol l^?1. Finally, the PrH/MWCNTs CPE was successfully applied for the determination of CA in urine and drug samples with satisfactory results.     

Voltammetric behavior of bupirimate fungicide and its square wave voltammetric determination

The voltammeric behavior of bupirimate fungicide has been studied by square wave stripping voltammetry (SWSV). The insoluble R–HgS salt (where R is the bupirimate frame excluding sulfur) formed on the static hanging mercury drop electrode (SHMDE) was electrochemically reduced by giving a fairly well defined cathodic peak within the pH range of 1.0 to 8.0. The peak potentials (E _p) were shifted toward more negative values with increasing pH, and a maximum peak response appeared at ?1320 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) at a pH 6.0. The calibration plot was a straight line in the range of 0.013 to 9.43 mg L^?1. The detection limit at pH 6.0 was measured as 4.0 μg L^?1 under the conditions of E _acc?=??700 mV and t _acc?=?10 s. The validity of the recommended method was assessed from the recoveries of spiked tap water, natural peach juice, and commercial peach juice.     

A selective sensor for nanolevel detection of lead (II) in hazardous wastes using ionic-liquid/Schiff base/MWCNTs/nanosilica as a highly sensitive composite

An effective potentiometric sensor had been fabricated for the rapid determination of Pb²⁺ based on carbon paste electrode consisting of room temperature ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIM-PF₆), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), nanosilica, synthesized Schiff base, as an ionophore, and graphite powder. The constructed nanocomposite electrode showed better sensitivity, selectivity, response time, response stability, and lifetime in comparison with typical Pb²⁺ carbon paste electrode for the successfully determination of Pb²⁺ ions in water and in waste water samples. The best response for nanocomposite electrode was obtained with electrode composition of 18% ionophore, 20% BMIM-PF₆, 49% graphite powder, 10% MWCNT, and 3% nanosilica. The new electrode exhibited a Nernstian response (29.76?±?0.10 mV decade^?1) toward Pb²⁺ ions in the range of 5?×?10^?9?C1.0?×?10^?1 mol L^?1 with a detection limit of 2.51?×?10^?9 mol L^?1. The potentiometric response of prepared sensor is independent of the pH of test solution in the pH range of 4.5?C8.0. It has quick response with response time of about 6 s. The proposed electrode show fairly good selectivity over some alkali, alkaline earth, transition, and heavy metal ions.     

Spectrofluorimetric Determination of Nickel (ΙΙ) with Murexide

A very sensitive and selective spectrofluorimetric method has been developed for nickel (ΙΙ) determination in environmental samples. The method is based on measuring the decrease in fluorescence intensity of murexide after nickel (ΙΙ) binding. The intensity of the fluorescence emission peak was measured at ex/em 345/431 nm in several solutions with pH interval 3.0–7.0. The fluorescence intensity decrease was found to be linear in the concentration range of 0.007 mg.L^?1 to 0.1 mg.L^?1 and 0.1 mg.L^?1 to 20 mg.L^?1 of nickel (ΙΙ) by using 10^?4 M murexide at pH 3. The detection limit was found 0.004 mg.L^?1. Relatively large excesses of over 20 cations and anions do not interfere. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of nickel (ΙΙ) in sea, rain and ground water. This method is very precise and accurate (R.S.D.?=?0.42 % for the determination of 0.05 mg.L?¹ nickel in 10 replicates).     

Highly Selective and Stable Florescent Sensor for Cd(II) Based on Poly(azomethine-urethane)

In this study a kind of poly(azomethine-urethane); (E)-4-((2 hydroxyphenylimino) methyl)-2-methoxyphenyl 6-acetamidohexylcarbamate (HDI-co-3-DHB-2-AP) was prepared as in the literature and employed as a new fluorescent probe for detection of Cd(II) concentration. The photoluminescence (PL) measurements were carried out in the presence of several kinds of heavy metals. HDI-co-3-DHB-2-AP gave a linearly and highly stable response against Cd(II) as decreasing a new emission peak at 562 nm. Possible interferences of other ions were found too low. Detection limit of the sensor was found as 8.86?×?10^?4?mol?L^?1. Resultantly, HDI-co-3- DHB-2-AP could be effectively used as an optical Cd(II) sensor.     

A highly Selective Fluorescent Sensor for Monitoring Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> Ion: Synthesis,Characterization and Photophysical Properties

A new fluorescent sensor, 4-allylamine-N-(N-salicylidene)-1,8-naphthalimide (1), anchoring a naphthalimide moiety as fluorophore and a Schiff base group as receptor, was synthesized and characterized. The photophysical properties of sensor 1 were conducted in organic solvents of different polarities. Our study revealed that, depending on the solvent polarity, the fluorescence quantum yields varied from 0.59 to 0.89. The fluorescent activity of the sensor was monitored and the sensor was consequently applied for the detection of Cu²⁺ with high selectivity over various metal ions by fluorescence quenching in Tris-HCl (pH = 7.2) buffer/DMF (1:1, v/v) solution. From the binding stoichiometry, it was indicated that a 1:1 complex was formed between Cu²⁺ and the sensor 1. The fluorescence intensity was linear with Cu²⁺ in the concentration range 0.5–5 μM. Moreso, the detection limit was calculated to be 0.32 μM, which is sufficiently low for good sensitivity of Cu²⁺ ion. The binding mode was due to the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and the coordination of Cu²⁺ with C = N and hydroxyl oxygen groups of the sensor 1. The sensor proved effective for Cu²⁺ monitoring in real water samples with recovery rates of 95–112.6 % obtained.     

A Validated Spectrofluorimetric Method for the Determination of Citalopram in Bulk and Pharmaceutical Preparations Based on the Measurement of the Silver Nanoparticles-Enhanced Fluorescence of Citalopram/Terbium Complexes

A simple, sensitive, and accurate spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the determination of citalopram in bulk and pharmaceutical preparations. The method is based on the enhancement of the weak fluorescence signal (FL) of the Tb (III)-citalopram system in the presence of silver nanoparticles. Fluorescence intensities were measured at 555 nm after excitation at 281 nm. Prepared silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were characterized by UV-Visible spectra and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Various factors affecting the formation of citalopram-Tb (III)-AgNPs complexes were studied and optimized. The fluorescence intensity versus concentration plot was linear over the range 0.02–14 μg?mL^?1, with an excellent correlation coefficient of 0.9978. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were found to be 7.15?×?10^?6?μg?mL^?1 and 2.38?×?10^?5?μg?mL^?1 respectively. The proposed method was found to have good reproducibility with a relative standard deviation of 3.66 % (n?=?6). The interference effects of common excipients found in pharmaceutical preparations were studied. The developed method was validated statistically by performing recoveries studies and successfully applied for the assay of citalopram in bulk powder and pharmaceutical preparations. Percent recoveries were found to range from 98.98 % to 100.97 % for bulk powder and from 96.57 % to 101.77 % for pharmaceutical preparations.     

Highly sensitive electrochemical detection of adenine on a graphene-modified carbon ionic liquid electrode

A new electrochemical method for the sensitive detection of adenine was established on a chitosan (CTS)- and graphene (GR)-modified carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE). CILE was prepared by mixing 1-butylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate (BPPF₆) and paraffin with graphite powder. Due to the synergistic effects of GR, CILE, and the interaction of GR with IL on the electrode surface, the electrochemical performance of CTS/GR/CILE were greatly enhanced. Electrochemical behaviors of adenine on the modified electrode was investigated with a single well-defined oxidation peak appeared. The electrochemical reaction of adenine was an adsorption-controlled irreversible process, and the electrochemical parameters were further calculated. Under the optimal conditions, the oxidation peak current was proportional to adenine concentration in the range from 1.0 nmol L^?1 to 70.0 μmol L^?1 with a detection limit of 0.286 nmol L^?1 (3σ) by differential pulse voltammetry. The established method showed the advantages such as good selectivity, stability, and repeatability.     

Improving the mobility of CuPc OFETs by varying the preparation conditions

In this work, three different preparation conditions were used for testing the performance of p-conducting copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). The charge carrier mobility (μ _sat=(1.5±0.6)×10^?3 cm²/V?s) of the CuPc OFETs with the CuPc film deposited while keeping the substrate at room temperature could be improved when the gate dielectric was modified by a self-assembled monolayer of n-octadecyltrichlorosilane (μ _sat=(3.8±0.4)×10^?3 cm²/V?s) or when elevated temperatures were applied to the substrate (T _S,av=127 ^°C) during the deposition of the organic film (μ _sat=(6.5±0.8)×10^?3 cm²/V?s). For the latter case, the dependence of the mobility and threshold voltage with increasing thickness of the organic film was tested—above 13 nm film thickness, no further significant increase of the hole mobility or change in the threshold voltage could be observed. The environmental stability of the OFETs was checked by performing ex situ measurements immediately as the sample was exposed to atmosphere and after 40 days of exposure. The effect of the different preparation conditions on the morphology of the organic films prepared in this work is also discussed in this context.